The test uses the following for the thread titles for the storms in the fall and winter:

The thread title will be updated accordingly to address the current range and degree of possibility of the event actually happening. Right now, when a storm is in the long range time frame which is also the Fantasy range, the thread title will look like this example:

Once the system is in the Medium range, if it survives until then, the word Speculation on the thread title will be replaced by the word Forecasts, which is when, real forecasting should start and speculation should end. In this range the thread title will look like this example:

Hopefully this will make readers aware that in the long range speculation time period of the thread, everything that is discussed is more speculation than possibility or even reality. Also, this will help those with less weather knowledge pick the difference between the time ranges and in the process know in which of the ranges wishcasting is more likely than actuality.

Additionally, this should also keep the thread titles more organized, descriptive and more informative.

P.S.: This decision was made by the moderators and I don't think that it's a big of enough change to warrant a vote. We're only talking titles here.

QUOTE(WhitePlainsNYBlizzard @ Sep 20 2008, 10:52 PM)

The test uses the following for the thread titles for the storms in the fall and winter:

The thread title will be updated accordingly to address the current range and degree of possibility of the event actually happening. Right now, when a storm is in the long range time frame which is also the Fantasy range, the thread title will look like this example:

Sept 27-28 MidAtl/NE Coastal Storm SpeculationCogitation: Long Range [192-384 Hours Out] DiscussionOnce the system is in the Medium range, if it survives until then, the word Speculation on the thread title will be replaced by the word Forecasts, which is when, real forecasting should start and speculation should end. In this range the thread title will look like this example:

Sept 27-28 MidAtl/NE Coastal Storm ForecastsPossibility: Medium Range [90-180 Hours Out] DiscussionOnce the system enters the short range, then the thread title will be updated to to display this example:

Sept 27-28 MidAtl/NE Coastal Storm ForecastsReality: Short Range [0-84 Hours Out] DiscussionHopefully this will make readers aware that in the long range speculation time period of the thread, everything that is discussed is more speculation than possibility or even reality. Also, this will help those with less weather knowledge pick the difference between the time ranges and in the process know in which of the ranges wishcasting is more likely than actuality.

Additionally, this should also keep the thread titles more organized, descriptive and more informative.

The test uses the following for the thread titles for the storms in the fall and winter:

The thread title will be updated accordingly to address the current range and degree of possibility of the event actually happening. Right now, when a storm is in the long range time frame which is also the Fantasy range, the thread title will look like this example:

Sept 27-28 MidAtl/NE Coastal Storm SpeculationCogitation: Long Range [192-384 Hours Out] DiscussionOnce the system is in the Medium range, if it survives until then, the word Speculation on the thread title will be replaced by the word Forecasts, which is when, real forecasting should start and speculation should end. In this range the thread title will look like this example:

Sept 27-28 MidAtl/NE Coastal Storm ForecastsPossibility: Medium Range [90-180 Hours Out] DiscussionOnce the system enters the short range, then the thread title will be updated to to display this example:

Sept 27-28 MidAtl/NE Coastal Storm ForecastsReality: Short Range [0-84 Hours Out] DiscussionHopefully this will make readers aware that in the long range speculation time period of the thread, everything that is discussed is more speculation than possibility or even reality. Also, this will help those with less weather knowledge pick the difference between the time ranges and in the process know in which of the ranges wishcasting is more likely than actuality.

Additionally, this should also keep the thread titles more organized, descriptive and more informative.

I would have to disagree with the speculation portion on a few terms. First this would bring more wishcasts into play, which angers some members, which is what we are trying to get away from. Also many storms that are that far out never come to be realized, thus there would be many topics sitting in the forum not being used and cluttering up the forum. Though I do understand what your ideas are trying to get toward.

I would have to disagree with the speculation portion on a few terms. First this would bring more wishcasts into play, which angers some members, which is what we are trying to get away from. Also many storms that are that far out never come to be realized, thus there would be many topics sitting in the forum not being used and cluttering up the forum. Though I do understand what your ideas are trying to get toward.

Since no agreement has ever been reached concerning the prohibition of starting thread that are more than 180 hours out, user will still be able to start threads about any "ghost" events they see on the GFS on hour 384 or any time frame beyond 180 hours.

As a result, the change in approach related to the thread titles. Speculation refers to those threads that include events that out in the so called "fantasy land", so users know that anything discussed in those threads while the event is still more than 192 hours out, it's mostly all speculation, wishcasting and broad pattern analysis.

PS: I have received suggestions that say the usage of the word "Fantasy" for the long range titles was not good but the word speculation was perfect. However, now, as you stated, you do not like the word "Speculation"

So unless, a solution is implemented to not allow threads for events that are more than 180 hours out to be started, we will continue to have to deal with what you mentioned above.

The thread title scheme is to make the titles more descriptive, organized and let users know that which ranges the storms events are and how credible or accurate they are.

Since no agreement has ever been reached concerning the prohibition of starting thread that are more than 180 hours out, user will still be able to start threads about any "ghost" events they see on the GFS on hour 384 or any time frame beyond 180 hours.

As a result, the change in approach related to the thread titles. Speculation refers to those threads that include events that out in the so called "fantasy land", so users know that anything discussed in those threads while the event is still more than 192 hours out, it's mostly all speculation, wishcasting and broad pattern analysis.

PS: I have received suggestions that say the usage of the word "Fantasy" for the long range titles was not good but the word speculation was perfect. However, now, as you stated, you do not like the word "Speculation"

So unless, a solution is implemented to not allow threads for events that are more than 180 hours out to be started, we will continue to have to deal with what you mentioned above.

The thread title scheme is to make the titles more descriptive, organized and let users know that which ranges the storms events are and how credible or accurate they are.

As these are the new guidlines, speculation is better than using fantasy. I totally get what you are trying to do for us users. Just that I had a few concerns.

I like that idea better. I like the word "fantasy." We all know to take anything after 180 hrs with a grain of salt. Relability is not all that high with concern to the longer range. We all see models flip flop storms, make them disappear, even "cha cha cha." Higher relability in the medium range and especially in the shorter range. I can't remember if one fantasy land storm actually came true or not. Still don't like the idea of longer rage fantasy land storm threads.

The test uses the following for the thread titles for the storms in the fall and winter:

The thread title will be updated accordingly to address the current range and degree of possibility of the event actually happening. Right now, when a storm is in the long range time frame which is also the Fantasy range, the thread title will look like this example:

Once the system is in the Medium range, if it survives until then, the word Speculation on the thread title will be replaced by the word Forecasts, which is when, real forecasting should start and speculation should end. In this range the thread title will look like this example:

Hopefully this will make readers aware that in the long range speculation time period of the thread, everything that is discussed is more speculation than possibility or even reality. Also, this will help those with less weather knowledge pick the difference between the time ranges and in the process know in which of the ranges wishcasting is more likely than actuality.

Additionally, this should also keep the thread titles more organized, descriptive and more informative.

I like it! If speculation attracts wishcasters and that angers some members, then I'm certain there are other threads they will be more than happy to post in, and avoid the speculation threads altogether.

Listen...we can't please everyone...but we're trying. This is a good start. And if it doesn't work, then we don't have to keep it...but at least it's something.

I would be fine with that also. Its just i'm still do not think talking about storms past 240hr on the gFS is a good thing to do, unlees both the GFS and ECMWF are showing it.

It's not a good thing because it isn't reliable...But while most members recognize that fact, you will have other members who will start a topic at 240 hours.....why not flag the topic right away somehow to let the more novice members know not to hang their hats on the discussion??

It's not that I don't like the word "speculation" now, I merely created a new argument in my head against the addition of any adjectives to the titles. Speculation is a much better term than fantasy if you must use either, I just don't like the fact that in the forums 15 days out is considered speculation but the parent site of accuweather provides "accurate" forecasts to 15 days. They don't label it as speculation there and thus I feel it would not be prudent to do so here.

All decision are completed, and will not be changed for minor disagreements. AccuWeather forecasts are "accurate" because they are issued by a hired person/AccuWx computer.

Our threads will be labeled speculation because the forecasts contained in them ARE NOT WRITTEN by AccuWeather. Therefore, a storm between 168-380 hours out may ONLY be speculated upon by any random member. Most times, these speculated storms will NOT appear in the AccuWeather 15 day forecast. If they are, then we may consider them a possibilty.

Jesse has already ruled that this was a minor change, and agreement from others was not needed for this simple decision.

Hi guys and gals:I normally dont put my 2 cents in and even if I do, I feel noone really cares or listens, but I feel I should on this.

In my OPINION I think maybe, instead of using the words suggested, maybe use just the stop lights? Maybe create some kind of legend with the lights saying what they mean on the page so members or quests can see them and know what they mean.

Im my eyes, no one is going to be happy with this word or that word. someone is always going to find something wrong. I would avoid any argument by using the Stop light idea. Again, just my opinion.thank you

I like that idea better. I like the word "fantasy." We all know to take anything after 180 hrs with a grain of salt. Relability is not all that high with concern to the longer range. We all see models flip flop storms, make them disappear, even "cha cha cha." Higher relability in the medium range and especially in the shorter range. I can't remember if one fantasy land storm actually came true or not. Still don't like the idea of longer rage fantasy land storm threads.

i agree, i really dont get excited about anything farther out that 5- 7 days